Page 6 - Mississippi

Mississippi Excavation Guide 2024
Table of Contents page
Disclaimer of Liability 4
About MS811 4
Who We Are 4
Our History 4
Our Mission Statement 4
MS811 Responsibilities 5
Common Misconceptions 5
Contact Information 7
Hours of Operation 7
Definitions 8
APWA Color Code & Tolerance Zone 9
Locate Request Ticket Types 9
Positive Response Information System (PRIS) 10
Service Area Editor (SAE) 12
Excavators/Homeowners 12
Excavator Requirements 12
How to Submit a Locate Request 13
When to Submit a Locate Request 13
What To Expect When Submitting a Locate Request 14
What To Do After Submitting a Locate Request 14
Excavation Safety 15
Facility/Utility Owners 15
Facility/Utility Owner Requirements 15
MS811 Membership 15
Responding to Locate Requests 16
Enforcement 16
Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Board (UFDPB) 16
Alleged Violation Reporting (AVR) 16 Violation Penalties 16 Enforcement Injunctions 17 Damage Fees 17 When Disaster Strikes 17 Frequently Asked Questions 17
DTisclaimer of Liability
his guide is an educational
and informational document for those who plan to excavate in the state of Mississippi and
for MS811 member utility companies. It is intended to be a reference tool only and should not be used as legal advice. The governing law for excavation in the state of Mississippi is contained in Mississippi Code of 1972, Chapter 13, Sections 77-13-1 through 77-13-23 (MS Dig Law).
This document, which contains summarized information from MS
Dig Law, is provided as a convenient reference tool only and should not be used as a legal reference document. Every effort has been made to accurately relay information from the MS Dig Law. MS811, nor any employee or representative of MS811, makes any representations or warranties as to the accuracy of the information contained within this document.
Everyone is responsible for their interpretation of the law and should contact their attorney for assistance with interpretation. A full copy of the Mississippi’s Dig Law can be found on the MS811 website at www.ms811.org.
This guide is designed to assist excavators when contacting MS811 and safe digging practices. It is also intended to help member utility companies when responding to the underground utilities locate requests submitted by excavators. This information is provided to you as a public service by MS811 and is dedicated to the safety of our vital underground facilities, stakeholders, and the citizens of Mississippi.
About MS811
Who We Are
Mississippi 811, Inc. (MS811) is a non-profit organization dedicated
to providing underground utility notification services in accordance with the Mississippi Code of 1972, Chapter 13, Sections 77-13-1 through 77-13-23. Based in Pearl, MS811 operates a computerized information center that facilitates statewide communication between excavators—those who dig—and the owners and operators of underground
utilities and facilities throughout Mississippi.
Funded by its member utility companies, MS811 plays a critical role
in preventing damage to underground infrastructure. Its members include operators from various sectors such as communications, gas transmission and distribution, electric power, pipelines, municipal gas, water and sewer systems, cable TV, and other industries that manage underground facilities.
Mississippi law mandates that anyone planning excavation activities—whether they are excavators, contractors, builders, or private citizens—must notify MS811 before starting any digging project. This notification process is crucial for safeguarding underground utilities, preventing injuries or fatalities, and avoiding disruptions to essential services. Once MS811 receives an excavation notice, it promptly informs the relevant member utility companies, who then dispatch representatives to the site to mark the locations of any underground utilities.
Our History
Mississippi One-Call System, Inc. began in June of 1984 with 43 members. In 1985, our first full year of operation,
we received 22,178 incoming calls and processed 62,131 outgoing tickets. By
the end of 2021, our numbers had grown to 480,870 incoming locate requests and 2,354,467 outgoing tickets processed. On July 1, 2008, the law was modified to require that all operators who have underground utility lines or underground facilities within the State of Mississippi be members of MS811.
In April 2009, our membership voted
to change our name from “Mississippi One-Call System, Inc.” to “Mississippi 811, Inc.” The future promises continued growth and exciting new challenges and MS811 is poised and ready to meet these challenges.
Our Mission Statement
To receive excavation and demolition location information from excavators, contractors, builders, and private citizens who are going to dig, drill, blast, or bore, and to disseminate this information to our members in any attempt, through teamwork to:
4 • Mississippi 811
2024, Issue 3